Amarnath terror strike : Congress calls for unity to combat terrorism

The Congress Party on Wednesday condemned the terror attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district and called for unity to combat the threat of terrorism.

“The attack was condemnable and barbaric. The terrorists who did this were cowards. I don’t want to play blame game on this attack. Terrorism is a big threat and challenge for India and we can combat this together,” Congress leader Anand Sharma told ANI.

Sharma also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family while saying that the state and central government should ensure security for the pilgrims.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge dubbed the attack as shameful act and said that Pakistan will get befitting reply for it.

“I pay homage to the deceased. It is cowardly act to attack the pilgrims. We will work together to fight this. The state and central government should ensure safety,” Kharge told ANI.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh yesterday urged various political parties not to politicise the terror attack.

“This is the situation where all the political parties have to rise above the political lines regardless of political affiliations, ideology, beliefs because this is an assault on Kashmir’s composite culture. This Yatra itself is a symbol of Kashmir’s composite culture,” said Singh after meeting the injured.

Earlier in the day, Singh and Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir met the injured at SKIMS Hospital.

The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet ,under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 6 lakh to the next of kin killed in the attack.

Apart from this, Rs. 2 lakh will be given to the grievously injured and Rs. 1 lakh to the one who sustained minor injury.

Separately, Governor, N.N. Vohra, chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has announced relief of Rs. 5 lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the incident, Rs. 1.5 lakh with grievous injuries and Rs. 75,000 minor injuries pilgrims.

The Governor also announced a special reward of Rs. 2 lakh to the driver of the bus.

Seven people lost their lives and 15 others were injured on Monday evening after terrorists attacked a bus in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag